Scottish couple arrested after attempted Spanish gangland hit

A Scottish couple has been arrested in connection with an attempted gangland hit in Spain.

The man and woman are alleged to have carried out a doorstep shooting in the San Javier district of Santiago de la Ribera, Murcia, in November 2024.

The target was approached by a man wearing a balaclava at his home and shot four times in the back with a silenced handgun. He remained in intensive care for months and has been left with life-changing injuries.

The gunman fled the scene after getting into a nearby vehicle. An hour after the almost fatal shooting, a car, believed to be the getaway vehicle, was found torched.

The getaway vehicle was found burnt out Guardia Civil

Detectives carried out another search of a high-end British vehicle the following day in the Mazarrón region. A firearm, which was later identified as the offending weapon, a silencer, ammunition, a balaclava and gloves were all found inside.

DNA analysis of the clothing seized identified two people, the Guardia Civil said.

The investigation into the murder bid, dubbed Operation Esbroya 24, saw Spanish authorities working alongside UK law enforcement for more than a year.

The handgun was seized from an abandoned vehicle. Guardia Civil

In April, the male suspect was arrested as he was about to board a flight to Edinburgh at the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández international airport.

The woman was arrested in May, also at Alicante airport, as she entered the country.

Detectives believe the pair are “experienced criminals” with links to the Scottish capital. Officers understand that the couple are connected to a criminal group known for acts of violence related to organised crime and drug trafficking.